In posts on Platform X over the weekend, Geert Wilders criticized other parties for not wanting to work with him
Geert Wilders
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AMSTERDAM (Portal) The man appointed by antiIslam Dutch politician Geert Wilders as an “observer” to look out for possible governing coalitions after elections in which his party won the most seats in parliament unexpectedly resigned on Monday.
The rapid departure of Gom van Strien, appointed by Wilders on Friday, highlights the difficulties expected in coalition negotiations as Wilders attempts to form a government in which he will hold the post of prime minister.
Van Strien, a senator from Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV), said in a statement that his position had become untenable after reports emerged over the weekend that he was facing fraud charges. He denies any wrongdoing. “I have therefore informed Geert Wilders and the President of Parliament that I will immediately give up my work as an observer,” he said in a statement.
The PVV made big gains in the election on November 22nd. But with just 24% of the vote, the group needs the support of at least two more moderate parties to form a government.
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The early signs were poor, with the largest conservative party outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s VVD on Friday ruling out the possibility of participating in a Wildersled Cabinet, although it said who might consider offering marginal support. Van Strien was scheduled to meet with VVD boss Dilan Yesilgoz this Monday.
Pieter Omtzigt, who leads the centrist NSC party and is seen as a likely partner in a Wilders government, said cooperation would be difficult because of the extreme positions Wilders has expressed, which violate Dutch constitutional protections on religious freedom.
In posts on platform
Dutch coalition negotiations often last months and opinions about the parties’ willingness to work together can change over time. If Wilders fails to form a cabinet, a centerright coalition that excludes him is also possible, with new elections as a last resort.